The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-12
THE INHABITANTs OF MARS.
Latest Discoveries OF Astronomers Indicate
that 1t Is Peopicd by Remarkable Beings.


Boston Herald.
paper has recently been published by Sig.
Schiaparelh, who is. perhaps, the most eminent
of Italian astronomers. of the result of observa-
lions taken by him at Milan of the physical con-
ditions of the planet Mars These observations
were taken in the years 1877, 1879 and 1SS2-per-
iods during which Mars approached, in following
its elliptical course, nearer TO our earth than it
ordinarily comes. It is well known that the
geography of this planet has been for some time
past carefully studied. Maps have been drawn
giving the seas and continents that divide the
surface of that planet, and, distinguished
astronomer has recently said. so far as the polar
regions are concerned. we know more of those on
the planet Mars than we do of those on own
world. It is known that Mars has atmosphere
that would permit of some form of animal life,
perhaps the same that we find upon the earth;
that the SHOWS fall IN winter and melt away in
the spring. Indeed. it may be assumed that it
has mountains, valleys and broad plains covered
with vegetation, much as we are accustomed to
find it in our country districts, exceptthat. while
the natural tint of grass and leaf with is green,
in Mars it is evidently red.
All this. however. has been known to astrono-
mers for some time What seems to be new
discovery is that the land surface of the planet
Mars is. or appears to be. divided into great
canals thirty miles more in width and extend
ing IL absolutely straight and often PARALLEL lines
from the seacoast for thousand miles more
into the interior. where they sometimes intersect
with other canals running directly at right
angles Thi would seem to indicate di-
recticn of forces different from those commonly
displayed by nature. But what is even more re-
markable. If are to trust authority. is that
observation has shown in some cases these as.
sumed canals seem 10 be in process of construc-
ton.
Sig. Schiaparelli asserts that ne was greatly
surprised to find that the chart of the surface of
Mars carefully prepared by him from his own
observations of 1879, was found defective in 1882
because during the interval the number of his as
sumed canals had increased. But his surprise
was chan ged to astonishment on finding. during
the course of his observations in 1882, that at
short intervals what might be termed PARALLEL
canals came, as it were into existence. He could
hardly assert that he watched their formation,
thong in a certain degree he able to do this.
What conclusion he draws from this assertion he
does not say. leaving it for future observers.
when in few years more, chance for further
observation takes place. tn draw their own deduc-
tions But. apparently, the assumption might
be rnade-premising the accuracy of these assert
ed facts-that the planet Mars is inhabited by
race of beings possessed of enormous powers.
having the knowledge and strength needed to
perform in a short space of time what would be
almost equivalent TO the construction of canal
that would reach from the Atlantic ocean TO
Chicago, with a width of the State of Massachu-
sets OF course, these assertions will be accept
ed with a very great degree of scepticisn, but,
none the less. they viii add not little to the
curiosity and interest with which further obser-
yations on the planet Mars will be watched for